Short Term Rentals

When going on vacation this summer, some of us will rent houses, condominiums or apartments for a short period of time -- perhaps a week or two -- instead of a hotel room.  Personally, I love renting a place with a kitchen.  It gives my family the opportunity to eat breakfast without wasting time or money on a restaurant.  At night, if we are too tired to go out or the kids are cranky, we just order a pizza or find the local supermarket and pick up a roasted chicken.

However. if something goes wrong while you are renting, you can't just call the font desk.  So here are some things to consider.  First and foremost -- do your homework.  Check a variety of home rental websites for reviews and comments, like www.homeaway.com  and www.vrbo.com  If you can get the owner's name before committing, google them.  If you are going to an unfamiliar area, learn what you can about the neighborhood.  Unfortunately, in some cities, one city block is safe and the next is not.  Next, be clear on what is being provided and what is not.  Find out if you have to bring your own towels or sheets and whether the kitchen comes stocked with any condiments.  Make sure you know the procedure to deal with any problems that might arise be it minor -- a clogged drain -- to major -- the power goes out.  If possible, pay on a credit card, so you have some possible remedy to complain about the charge if you really feel like you did not get what you bargained for.  On that front, if you arrive and the place is not as portrayed, complain immediately and follow up in writing (email is fine).  If ultimately, you end up going to court, the judge is not going to think highly of your complaints if you stayed somewhere for two weeks, without raising a single issue and then you go home and decide to complain.  Be respectful of the property at which you are staying.  Turn off lights when not in use and if you break something, let the owner know.  I think that most of the owners that rent their homes to cover their expenses and may earn a little extra cash.  They want you to be pleased because today more than ever, word of mouth if key. 

Finally, rentals of less than 100 days are not covered by the landlord tenant laws in Massachusetts, so don't expect protection of your security deposit and the like.